Apparatus for coupling a component to an archery bow

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is configured to couple a component to an archery bow. The archery bow defines a bore extending at least partially through the archery bow and a slot in communication with the bore. The apparatus includes a collar positioned within the slot and extending into the bore. The collar defines at least one first passage configured to receive the component. A base is positioned within the bore and configured to retain the collar within the slot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to archery bows and, more particularly,to an apparatus for coupling a component, such as a stabilizer or avibration dampener, to an archery bow.

Conventional bow stabilizers and vibration dampeners have been developedto absorb, dampen and/or reduce recoil, vibration, shock and/or noiseresulting from a release of an archery arrow supported on an archerybow. These conventional devices are typically fixedly coupled to thearchery bow to limit or reduce such recoil, vibration, shock and/ornoise to improve the stability of the archery bow during and/or afterthe archery arrow is released from the archery bow, thus, improving theshooting accuracy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an apparatus configured to couple a component to anarchery bow is provided. The archery bow defines a bore that extends atleast partially through the archery bow and a slot in communication withthe bore. The apparatus includes a collar positioned within the slot andextending into the bore. The collar defines at least one first passageconfigured to receive the component. A base is positioned within thebore and configured to retain the collar within the slot.

In another aspect, an apparatus configured to couple a component to anarchery bow is provided. The archery bow defines a longitudinal axis anda lateral axis coplanar with and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The archery bow further defines an opening extending at least partiallythrough the archery bow and a slot in communication with the opening.The apparatus includes a collar positioned within the slot and extendinginto the opening. The collar defines a first passage configured toreceive the component. A first base portion is positioned within theopening. A second base portion is positioned within the opening andcoupled to the first base portion to retain the collar within the slot.

In another aspect, a method for manufacturing an archery bow isprovided. The archery bow defines a longitudinal axis and a lateral axiscoplanar with and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a z-axisintersecting the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis andperpendicular thereto. The method includes defining a first openingextending at least partially through the archery bow. A second openingis defined in the archery bow. The second opening is in communicationwith the first opening. A collar is positioned within the secondopening. The collar extends into the first opening and defines a firstpassage configured to receive a component. A base is positioned in thefirst opening. The base retains the collar within the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bow stabilizer coupled toan archery bow and positioned at a first position coaxial with a z-axisof the archery bow;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bow stabilizer shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bow stabilizer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bow stabilizer shown in FIG. 1 positionedat a selected angular position with respect to the first position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary bow stabilizer;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bow stabilizer shown in FIG. 5coupled to an archery bow and positioned at a first position coaxialwith a z-axis of the archery bow;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupled toan archery bow;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupled toan archery bow;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the bow stabilizer shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupledto an archery bow;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the bow stabilizer shown inFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupledto an archery bow;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupledto an archery bow;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupledto an archery bow;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative bow stabilizer coupledto an archery bow;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary apparatus forcoupling a component to an archery bow; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary apparatus forcoupling a component to an archery bow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for coupling acomponent, such as a bow stabilizer or vibration dampener, to an archerybow. As described below, the apparatus includes a base that is removablypositioned within an opening, such as a bore and/or a slot, definedwithin a riser section of the archery bow. The base is movable, such aspivotally, rotatably and/or translationally movable, within the openingto position a component, such as a stabilizer or a vibration dampener,at an angular position with respect to at least one of a longitudinalaxis, a lateral axis and a z-axis of the archery bow, which isperpendicular to a plane defining the longitudinal axis and the lateralaxis of the archery bow. The apparatus as described herein is configuredto couple any suitable archery component or element to the archery bow.Further, the archery bow may be retrofitted to accommodate theapparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, an archery bow 20 includes a riser section 22.Archery bow 20 defines orthogonal axial components including alongitudinal axis 24 and a lateral axis 26 coplanar with andperpendicular to longitudinal axis 24. Further, a z-axis 28 of archerybow 20 intersects and is perpendicular to a plane in which longitudinalaxis 24 and lateral axis 26 are defined. Z-axis 28 is generally parallelto a draw axis of archery bow 20 that defines a direction in which anarcher draws an archery arrow prior to releasing the archery arrow fromarchery bow 20.

Archery bow 20 defines an opening or void extending at least partiallythrough archery bow 20. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, archerybow 20 defines a bore 30 that extends along lateral axis 26 and at leastpartially through archery bow 20. In an alternative embodiment, archerybow 20 defines a plurality of bores 30, as shown in FIG. 10. In thisembodiment, archery bow 20 further defines at least one slot 32 formedalong a centerline 34 coplanar with longitudinal axis 24. Slot 32interferes or intersects with bore 30 to provide communication betweenbore 30 and slot 32. In one embodiment, slot 32 extends along at least aportion of an outer surface of archery bow 20 and extends radiallyinwardly towards lateral axis 26 to intersect bore 30, as shown inFIG. 1. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided bythe teachings herein provided that any suitable number of slots 32 maybe defined within archery bow 20. Further, slot(s) 32 may have anysuitable shape and/or size.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, in one embodiment, an apparatus 38 couplesan archery component or element, such as a bow stabilizer 40 or anyother suitable archery component or element, to archery bow 20. In aparticular embodiment, the component is removably coupled to archery bow20 for facilitating absorbing and/or reducing recoil, vibration, shockand/or noise resulting from a release of an archery arrow supported onarchery bow 20. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art andguided by the teachings herein provided that apparatus 38 may beutilized to couple any suitable bow stabilizer, as well as any othersuitable archery component and/or element, to archery bow 20 at risersection 22 and/or at any suitable area or region of archery bow 20.

Apparatus 38 includes a base 42 that is removably positioned within atleast one opening defined by archery bow 20, such as bore 30, as shownin FIGS. 1-12. Referring further to FIG. 10, in a particular embodiment,base 42 is removably positionable within any bore 30 of a plurality ofbores 30 defined within bow riser portion 22. As described in greaterdetail below, in one embodiment, base 42 is movable within bore 30, suchas rotationally, pivotally and/or translationally movable within bore30. In a particular embodiment, base 42 is rotatably or pivotallymovable within bore 30 with respect to or about longitudinal axis 24,lateral axis 26 and/or z-axis 28.

In one embodiment, archery bow 20 defines lateral axis 26 and an openingextending at least partially through archery bow 20. Archery bow 20includes apparatus 38 having base 42 positioned within the opening andpivotally movable about lateral axis 26. Base 42 defines at least onepassage 51, as described in greater detail below, and a componentmounted within passage 51. Archery bow 20 is configured to enable a userto select an orientation of the component with respect to longitudinalaxis 24, lateral axis 26 coplanar and/or z-axis 28 of archery bow 20. Inone embodiment, the component includes a sight, a vibration dampenerand/or a stabilizer, for example. In alternative embodiments, anysuitable component may be coupled to archery bow 20. In a furtherembodiment, base 42 and the component are collinear.

Bow stabilizer 40 includes a shaft 44 that is removably coupled at afirst end 45 to base 42. As shown in FIGS. 1-12, first end 45 extendsthrough slot 32 and is coupled to base 42. In one embodiment, shaft 44is threadedly coupled to base 42. In this embodiment as shown in FIG. 2,first end 45 forms a helical thread 46 that is threadedly receivedwithin a complementary passage defined within base 42. In an alternativeembodiment, first end 45 is compression fitted or friction fitted withina passage defined within base 42. In a further alternative embodiment,shaft 44 is positioned within a collar and the collar is positionedwithin the passage defined within base 42.

Bow stabilizer 40 also includes a body 47 coupled to shaft 44, such asat a second end 48 of shaft 44 opposing first end 45. In one embodiment,apparatus 38 includes a collar 50 that is coupled to base 42. Collar 50is positioned about at least a portion of shaft 44 and within slot 32for facilitating moving shaft 44 with respect to z-axis 28, as describedin greater detail below. In a particular embodiment, a portion of collar50 is positionable within passage 51 defined within base 42, as shown inFIG. 9. Collar 50 defines a passage 52 within which first end 45 ofshaft 44 is removably positioned. With passage 51 aligned with or incommunication with slot 32, passage 51 is configured to receive collar50, as shown in FIG. 9, or configured to receive the component. Passage51 defines an axis that is coplanar with longitudinal axis 24. In analternative embodiment, collar 50 is integrally formed with base 42 orshaft 44 as shown in FIGS. 11-15.

In one embodiment, base 42 is pivotally mounted or positioned withinarchery bow 20 to position shaft 44 at a selected angular position withrespect to z-axis 28. Base 42 is pivotally movable about lateral axis 26to position the component at a selected angular position with respect toarchery bow 20. Referring further to FIG. 4, shaft 44 is movable to anangular position α Angular position α may be any suitable angularposition, such as between about 0° and about +/−75° with respect toz-axis 28. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guidedby the teachings herein provided that the angular position of shaft 44with respect to z-axis 28 can be limited to any suitable angle range. Ina particular embodiment, with shaft 44 at the selected angular position,shaft 44 is rotated in a clockwise direction shown by directional arrow54 in FIG. 1 about an axis of shaft 44 to selectively lock or retainbase 42 stationary within bore 30 such that shaft 44 is retained at theselected angular position with respect to z-axis 28. Shaft 44 is rotatedin an opposite counter-clockwise direction to allow the angular positionof shaft 44 to be adjusted, as desired.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-6, at least a portion of a contact surface60 of base 42 includes a knurled surface or a plurality of projections,such as threads 62, that interfere with or provide frictional contactbetween base 42 and an inner surface of archery bow 20 forming bore 30for facilitating positioning shaft 44 at a desired angular position withrespect to z-axis 28. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, contactsurface 60 defines a plurality of threads 62 that extend along a widthof base 42 in a direction generally parallel to lateral axis 26. Aplurality of cooperating threads 64, as shown in FIG. 1, are formed in acooperating inner surface 65 of archery bow 20 defining bore 30. In analternative embodiment, threads 62 and/or cooperating threads 64 arediscontinuous and extend along a portion of the base width, as shown inFIG. 5.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in an alternative embodiment, a lockingmechanism 70 is operatively coupled to base 42 and configured to fixedlyposition base 42 within bore 30 to selectively retain shaft 44 at anangular position with respect to z-axis 28. As shown in FIG. 10, in thisalternative embodiment a plurality of apertures 72 are defined withinbase 42. With the angular position of shaft 44 selected and one aperture72 aligned with a cooperating aperture defined within archery bow 20(not shown), locking mechanism 70 includes a pin 74 that is positionedwithin the archery bow aperture and aligned base aperture 72. In aparticular embodiment, pin 74 is threadedly engaged within the archerybore aperture and/or aligned base aperture 72. It should be apparent tothose skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein providedthat locking mechanism 70 may include any suitable component ormechanism that is configured to secure base 42 within bore 30 and retainshaft 44 in a desired angular position with respect to z-axis 28.

As shown in FIG. 12, base 42 is selectively positioned within one bore30 of a plurality of bores 30 defined within archery bow 20. Bores 30may intersect with adjacent bores 30, as shown in FIG. 12, or,alternatively, bores 30 may be defined without intersecting adjacentbores 30. Such configurations allow the archer to position base 42within a desired bore 30. Further, archery bow 20 defines a plurality ofslots 32. Slots 32 may intersect with adjacent slots 32, as shown inFIG. 12, or, alternatively, slots 32 may be defined without intersectingadjacent slots 32. Slots 32 may be sized and/or shaped to allow shaft 44to move within slot 32 parallel to longitudinal axis 24 and/or lateralaxis 26 of archery bow 20. Alternatively, slots 32 may be sized and/orshaped to prevent or limit such axial movement. Base 42 is securedwithin bore 30 to retain shaft 44 at a selected angular position withrespect to z-axis 28. In one embodiment, shaft 44 is rotated about ashaft axis to tighten shaft 44 against base 42 and retain shaft 44 atthe selected angular position. Alternatively, a suitable lockingmechanism 70 (not shown in FIG. 12) retains base 42 stationary withinbore 30 or slot 32 such that shaft 44 is retained in the selectedangular position.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, in an alternative embodiment, an apparatus 138couples an archery component or element, such as a bow stabilizer 140 orany other suitable archery component or element, to archery bow 120. Ina particular alternative embodiment, the component is removably coupledto archery bow 120 for facilitating absorbing and/or reducing recoil,vibration, shock and/or noise resulting from a release of an archeryarrow supported on archery bow 120. Archery bow 120 defines orthogonalaxial components including a longitudinal axis 124 and a lateral axis126 coplanar with and perpendicular to longitudinal axis 124. Further, az-axis 128 of archery bow 120 intersects and is perpendicular to a planein which longitudinal axis 124 and lateral axis 126 are defined. Z-axis128 is generally parallel to a draw axis of archery bow 120 that definesa direction in which an archer draws an archery arrow prior to shootingthe archery arrow. Archery bow 20 further defines at least one slot 132having a centerline 134 coplanar with longitudinal axis 124. Slot 132extends along at least a portion of an outer surface of archery bow 120.It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings herein provided that any suitable number of slots 132 may bedefined within archery bow 120. Further, slot(s) 132 may have anysuitable shape and/or size.

Apparatus 138 includes a base 142 that is at least partially positionedwithin slot 132, as shown in FIGS. 13-15. It should be apparent to thoseskilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that base142 may include any suitable geometric shape including, withoutlimitation, a disc as shown in FIG. 13 or a block as shown in FIGS. 14and 15. As described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, base142 is movable within slot 132, such as rotationally, pivotally and/ortranslationally movable within slot 132. Bow stabilizer 140 is coupledto archery bow 120. More specifically, base 142 includes a bore (notshown) through a width of base 142 that extends along lateral axis 126.Further, archery bow 120 includes a corresponding bore (not shown) thatextends at least partially through archery bow 120 along lateral axis126. With base 142 positioned at least partially within slot 132 and thebase bore aligned with the archery bow bore along lateral axis 126, asuitable coupling mechanism or component 143, such as a bolt, a screw ora pin, is inserted into the archery bow bore and the aligned base boreto rotatably couple base 142 to archery bore 120. In this embodiment,base 142 is rotatable within slot 132 with respect to archery bow 120.

Bow stabilizer 140 includes a shaft 144 that is removably coupled at afirst end 145 to base 142. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, first end 145extends at least partially into slot 132 and is coupled to base 142. Inone embodiment, shaft 144 is threadedly coupled to base 142. In thisembodiment, first end 145 forms a helical thread that is threadedlyreceived within a complementary passage defined by base 142. In analternative embodiment, first end 145 is compression fitted or frictionfitted within a passage defined by base 142. Bow stabilizer 140 alsoincludes a body 147 coupled to shaft 144, such as at a second end 148 ofshaft 144 opposing first end 145.

In one embodiment, apparatus 138 includes a collar 150 that is coupledto base 142. Collar 150 is positioned about at least a portion of shaft144 and/or within slot 132 for facilitating angular movement of shaft144 with respect to z-axis 128, as described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 13, in one embodiment base 142 forms a disc 160 havingan outer peripheral surface 162 defining a plurality of passages 164that extend radially inwardly towards a center axis of disc 160coaxially positioned with lateral axis 126. Each passage 164 isconfigured to receive shaft 144 or, in certain embodiments, collar 150.A locking mechanism 170 fixedly secures base 142 in a selectedrotational position within slot 132 to retain shaft 144 at an angularposition with respect to z-axis 128. As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality ofpositioning apertures 172 is defined within archery bow 120. Positioningapertures 172 are positioned about coupling mechanism 143 in an arcuateconfiguration to align with a corresponding aperture (not shown) definedwithin disc 160. In a particular embodiment, a plurality ofcorresponding apertures are defined within disc 160 with each aperturealignable with a positioning aperture 172. With the desired discaperture aligned with the corresponding positioning aperture 172, a pin174 is positioned within the apertures to fixedly secure disc 160 withinslot 132. In one embodiment, a biasing element, such as a spring, abutton and/or another suitable mechanism, retains pin 174 within theapertures, as desired. Pin 174 is released from within the apertures torotate disc 160 within slot 132 and about the center axis of disc 160 toadjust the angular position of shaft 144 with respect to z-axis 128.

As shown in FIG. 14, in a further alternative embodiment base 142 formsa block 180 having an outer surface 182 defining a passage 184 thatextends perpendicular to longitudinal axis 124 with stabilizer 140positioned in a first position along z-axis 128. Passage 184 isconfigured to receive shaft 144 or, in certain embodiments, collar 150.Locking mechanism 170 fixedly secures block 180 in a selected rotationalposition within slot 132 to retain shaft 144 at an angular position withrespect to z-axis 128. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of positioningapertures 186 is defined within archery bow 120 in a generally linearconfiguration. With shaft 144 positioned at a desired angular position,a pin 188 or another suitable locking mechanism is positioned within acorresponding positioning aperture 186 to secure block 180 within slot132. In one embodiment, a biasing element, such as a spring, a buttonand/or another suitable mechanism, retains pin 188 within positioningaperture 186, as desired. Pin 188 is released from within positioningaperture 186 to rotate block 180 within slot 132 to adjust the angularposition of shaft 144 with respect to z-axis 128.

As shown in FIG. 15, in a further alternative embodiment base 142 formsa block 190 having an outer surface 192 defining a plurality of passages194 that extend at least partially through block 190 and generallyparallel to adjacent passages 194 and perpendicular to longitudinal axis124 with stabilizer 140 positioned in a first position along z-axis 128.Passages 194 are configured to receive shaft 144 or, in certainembodiments, collar 150. Shaft 144 is removably positionable within aselected passage 194. In one embodiment, block 190 is pivotally orrotationally movable within slot 132 and with respect to archery bow 120to position shaft 144 in the desired angular position with respect to apassage axis 195 initially parallel to z-axis 128. In one embodiment, asuitable locking mechanism (not shown) fixedly secures block 190 in aselected rotational position within slot 132 to retain shaft 144 at thedesired angular position with respect to z-axis 128.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary apparatus forcoupling a component to an archery bow. Referring to FIG. 16, an archerybow 220 includes a riser section 222. Archery bow 220 defines orthogonalaxial components including a longitudinal axis 224 and a lateral axis226 coplanar with and perpendicular to longitudinal axis 224. Further, az-axis 228 of archery bow 220 intersects and is perpendicular to a planein which longitudinal axis 224 and lateral axis 226 are defined. Z-axis228 is generally parallel to a draw axis of archery bow 220 that definesa direction in which an archer draws an archery arrow prior to releasingthe archery arrow from archery bow 220.

Archery bow 220 defines a first opening or void extending at leastpartially through archery bow 220. As shown in FIG. 16, in oneembodiment, archery bow 220 defines a bore 230 that extends alonglateral axis 226 and at least partially through archery bow 220. In analternative embodiment, archery bow 220 defines a plurality of bores 230(not shown in FIG. 16). Archery bow 220 further defines at least onesecond opening in communication with the first opening. In oneembodiment, at least one slot 232 is formed along a centerline 234coplanar with longitudinal axis 224, as shown in FIG. 16. Slot 232interferes or intersects with bore 230 to provide communication betweenbore 230 and slot 232. In one embodiment, slot 232 extends along atleast a portion of an outer surface of archery bow 220 and extendsradially inwardly towards lateral axis 226 to intersect bore 230, asshown in FIG. 16. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art andguided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable number ofslots 232 may be defined within archery bow 220. Further, slot(s) 232may have any suitable shape and/or size.

An apparatus 238 couples an archery component or element (not shown inFIG. 16), such as a bow stabilizer or any other suitable archerycomponent or element, to archery bow 220. In a particular embodiment,the component is removably coupled to archery bow 220 for facilitatingabsorbing and/or reducing recoil, vibration, shock and/or noiseresulting from a release of an archery arrow supported on archery bow220. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings herein provided that apparatus 238 may be utilized to coupleany suitable bow stabilizer, as well as any other suitable archerycomponent and/or element, to archery bow 220 at or near riser section222 and/or at or near any suitable area or region of archery bow 220.

Apparatus 238 includes a base 242 that is removably positioned within atleast one opening defined by archery bow 220. In the exemplaryembodiment, base 242 is removably positioned within bore 230, as shownin FIG. 16. Referring further to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, base 242includes a first base portion 244 and a second base portion 246configured to facilitate retaining a collar 250, as described below,properly positioned within slot 232. In a particular embodiment, firstbase portion 244 and/or second base portion 246 defines a depression 247forming at least one shoulder or edge 248. With first base portion 244and/or second base 246 positioned within bore 230, a wall 249 formedwithin bore 230 is at least partially positioned within correspondingdepression 247 to facilitate securing base 242 within bore 230. In aparticular embodiment, edge 248 interferes with wall 249 to prevent orlimit rotational movement of corresponding base portion 244 or 246within bore 230. In an alternative embodiment, first base portion 244and/or second base portion 246 is movable within bore 230, such asrotationally, pivotally and/or translationally movable within bore 230,such that base 242 is rotatably or pivotally movable within bore 230with respect to or about longitudinal axis 224, lateral axis 226 and/orz-axis 228.

Apparatus 238 includes a collar 250 that is coupled to base 242. Collar250 is positioned within slot 232 and an end portion 252 of collar 250is positionable within a passage 254 defined within base 242. As shownin FIG. 16, collar 250 defines a second passage 256 within which anarchery component, such as a bow stabilizer, is removably positioned. Inthe exemplary embodiment, collar 250 includes a head portion 258 that ispositioned within an indentation 259 formed in archery bow 220 andsurrounding slot 232 to facilitate guiding movement of collar 250 withinslot 232 to facilitate preventing or limiting undesirable movement ofcollar 250 within slot 232 and/or undesirable movement of base 242within bore 230. Collar 250 is positioned within slot 232 to facilitatemoving a component to adjust an angular position of the component withrespect to z-axis 228.

Referring further to FIG. 16, with collar 250 positioned within slot 232such that at least a portion of end portion 252 extends into bore 230,at least a portion of first base portion 244 and at least a portion ofsecond base portion 246 are positioned within bore 232 and coupledtogether and/or to archery bow 220 to secure collar 250 within slot 232.First base portion 244 may be coupled to archery bow 220 and/or secondbase portion 246 using any suitable fastener or coupling mechanism knownto those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.In one embodiment, first base portion is coupled to archery bow 220and/or second base portion 246 using a suitable screw or pin. Aplurality of openings 260 are defined through first base portion 244 anda plurality of corresponding openings 261 are defined at least partiallythrough second base portion such that a screw, pin or other suitablefastener (not shown) is positioned within opening 260 and correspondingopening 261 to facilitate securing first base portion 244 to second baseportion 246. Additionally or alternatively, first base portion 244 iscompression fitted with second base portion 246.

In a particular embodiment, end portion 252 forms at least oneprojection that interferes and/or cooperates with first base portion 244and/or second base portion 246, such as a corresponding void ordepression formed or defined within an inner surface of first baseportion 244 and/or within an inner surface of second base portion 246 atleast partially defining passage 254. Referring further to FIG. 16,collar 250 forms at least one first projection 262 and/or at least onesecond projection 263 that interferes with and/or cooperates with acorresponding first void 264 or a corresponding second void 266,respectively, defined at least partially within first base portion 244and/or second base portion 246.

In one embodiment, base 242 is positioned within and pivotally movableabout lateral axis 226. In this embodiment, archery bow 220 isconfigured to enable a user to select an orientation of the componentwith respect to longitudinal axis 224, lateral axis 226 and/or z-axis228 of archery bow 220. In one embodiment, the component includes asight, a vibration dampener and/or a stabilizer, for example. Inalternative embodiments, any suitable component may be coupled toarchery bow 220. In a further embodiment, base 242 and the component arecollinear.

A bow stabilizer, such as bow stabilizer 40 (not shown in FIG. 16),includes a shaft that is removably coupled to base 242. In oneembodiment, the shaft is threadedly coupled to base 242. In thisembodiment, the shaft first end forms a helical thread that isthreadedly received within complementary passage 256 defined withincollar 250. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft first end iscompression fitted or friction fitted within passage 256. The bowstabilizer also includes a body coupled to or integrated with the shaft,such as at a second end of the shaft opposing the first end.

In one embodiment, base 242 is pivotally mounted or positioned withinarchery bow 20 to position shaft 44, shown in FIG. 1, at a selectedangular position with respect to z-axis 228. Base 242 is pivotallymovable about lateral axis 226 to position the component at a selectedangular position with respect to archery bow 20. Referring further toFIG. 4, shaft 44 is movable to an angular position α. Angular position αmay be any suitable angular position, such as between about 0° and about+/−75° with respect to z-axis 228. It should be apparent to thoseskilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that theangular position of shaft 44 with respect to z-axis 228 can be limitedto any suitable angle range. In a particular embodiment, with shaft 44at the selected angular position, shaft 44 is rotated in a clockwisedirection shown by directional arrow 54 in FIG. 1 about an axis of shaft44 to selectively lock or retain base 42 stationary within bore 230 suchthat shaft 44 is retained at the selected angular position with respectto z-axis 228. Shaft 44 is rotated in an opposite counter-clockwisedirection to allow the angular position of shaft 44 to be adjusted, asdesired.

In a particular embodiment, at least a portion of a contact surface ofbase 242 includes a knurled surface or a plurality of projections, suchas threads 62 shown in FIGS. 1-6, that interfere with or providefrictional contact between base 242 and an inner surface of archery bow20 forming bore 230 for facilitating positioning shaft 44 at a desiredangular position with respect to z-axis 28. In one embodiment, as shownin FIG. 1, the contact surface defines a plurality of threads (notshown) that extend along a width of base 242 in a direction generallyparallel to lateral axis 226. A plurality of cooperating threads, suchas threads 64 shown in FIG. 1, are formed in a cooperating inner surfaceof archery bow 20 defining bore 230. In an alternative embodiment, thecooperating threads are discontinuous and extend along a portion of thebase width, such as shown in FIG. 5.

In a further embodiment, a locking mechanism, such as locking mechanism70 described above in reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, is operativelycoupled to base 242 and configured to fixedly position base 242 withinbore 230 to selectively retain shaft 44 at an angular position withrespect to z-axis 228. In this embodiment, a plurality of apertures aredefined within base 242. With the angular position of shaft 44 selectedand cooperating aperture aligned, the locking mechanism includes a pinthat is positioned within the archery bow aperture and the aligned baseaperture. In a particular embodiment, the pin is threadedly engagedwithin the archery bore aperture and/or the aligned base aperture. Itshould be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings herein provided that the locking mechanism may include anysuitable component or mechanism that is configured to secure base 242within bore 230 and retain shaft 44 in a desired angular position withrespect to z-axis 228.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary apparatus forcoupling a component to an archery bow. Referring to FIG. 17, an archerybow 320 includes a riser section 322. Archery bow 320 defines orthogonalaxial components including a longitudinal axis 324 and a lateral axis326 coplanar with and perpendicular to longitudinal axis 324. Further, az-axis 328 of archery bow 320 intersects and is perpendicular to a planein which longitudinal axis 324 and lateral axis 326 are defined. Z-axis328 is generally parallel to a draw axis of archery bow 320 that definesa direction in which an archer draws an archery arrow prior to releasingthe archery arrow from archery bow 320.

Archery bow 320 defines a first opening or void extending at leastpartially through archery bow 320. As shown in FIG. 17, in oneembodiment, archery bow 320 defines a bore 330 that extends alonglateral axis 326 and at least partially through archery bow 320. In analternative embodiment, archery bow 320 defines a plurality of bores 330(not shown in FIG. 17). Archery bow 320 further defines at least onesecond opening in communication with the first opening. In oneembodiment, at least one slot 332 is formed along a centerline 334coplanar with longitudinal axis 324, as shown in FIG. 17. Slot 332interferes or intersects with bore 330 to provide communication betweenbore 330 and slot 332. In one embodiment, slot 332 extends along atleast a portion of an outer surface of archery bow 320 and extendsradially inwardly towards lateral axis 326 to intersect bore 330, asshown in FIG. 17. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art andguided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable number ofslots 332 may be defined within archery bow 320. Further, slot(s) 332may have any suitable shape and/or size.

An apparatus 338 couples an archery component or element (not shown inFIG. 17), such as a bow stabilizer or any other suitable archerycomponent or element, to archery bow 320. In a particular embodiment,the component is removably coupled to archery bow 320 for facilitatingabsorbing and/or reducing recoil, vibration, shock and/or noiseresulting from a release of an archery arrow supported on archery bow320. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings herein provided that apparatus 338 may be utilized to coupleany suitable bow stabilizer, as well as any other suitable archerycomponent and/or element, to archery bow 320 at or near riser section322 and/or at or near any suitable area or region of archery bow 320.

Apparatus 338 includes a base 342 that is removably positioned within atleast one opening defined by archery bow 320. In the exemplaryembodiment, base 342 is removably positioned within bore 330, as shownin FIG. 17. Referring further to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, base 342includes a first base portion 344 coupled to archery bow 320. In aparticular embodiment, first base portion 344 is integrally formed witharchery bow 320. A second base portion 346 is coupled to first baseportion 344 and configured to facilitate retaining a collar 350, asdescribed below, properly positioned within slot 332. In a particularembodiment, second base portion 346 is movable, such as rotationally,pivotally and/or translationally movable, with respect to first baseportion 344 to facilitate positioning collar 350 within slot 332, asdesired, such that collar 350 is movable within slot 332 with respect toor about longitudinal axis 324, lateral axis 326 and/or z-axis 328.

Collar 350 is positioned within slot 332 and an end portion of collar350 is positionable within a passage (not shown in FIG. 17) definedwithin second base portion 346. As shown in FIG. 17, collar 350 definesa second passage 356 within which an archery component, such as a bowstabilizer, is removably positioned. In the exemplary embodiment, collar350 includes a head portion 358 that is positioned within slot 332 tofacilitate guiding movement of collar 350 within slot 332 to facilitatepreventing or limiting undesirable movement of collar 350 within slot332 and/or undesirable movement of base 342 within bore 330. Collar 350is positioned within slot 332 to facilitate moving a component to adjustan angular position of the component with respect to z-axis 328.

Referring further to FIG. 17, first base portion 344 is coupled withinbore 330 or integrated with archery bow 320 to at least partially definebore 330. Second base portion 346 is coupled to first base portion 344using any suitable fastener or coupling mechanism known to those skilledin the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. In oneembodiment, second base portion 346 is movably coupled to first baseportion 344 using a suitable screw or pin 360. Additionally oralternatively, second base portion 346 is compression fitted to firstbase portion 344. With second base portion 346 coupled first baseportion 344, collar 350 is positioned within slot 332 such that the endportion extends into the passage to secure collar 350 within slot 332.

In one embodiment, second base portion 346 is pivotally movable aboutlateral axis 326. In this embodiment, archery bow 320 is configured toenable a user to select an orientation of the component with respect tolongitudinal axis 324, lateral axis 326 and/or z-axis 328 of archery bow320. In one embodiment, the component includes a sight, a vibrationdampener and/or a stabilizer, for example. In alternative embodiments,any suitable component may be coupled to archery bow 320. In a furtherembodiment, base 342 and the component are collinear.

A bow stabilizer, such as bow stabilizer 40 (not shown in FIG. 17),includes a shaft that is removably coupled to base 342. In oneembodiment, the shaft is threadedly coupled to base 342. In thisembodiment, the shaft first end forms a helical thread that isthreadedly received within complementary passage 356 defined withincollar 350. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft first end iscompression fitted or friction fitted within passage 356. The bowstabilizer also includes a body coupled to or integrated with the shaft,such as at a second end of the shaft opposing the first end.

In one embodiment, base 342 is pivotally mounted or positioned withinarchery bow 20 to position shaft 44, shown in FIG. 1, at a selectedangular position with respect to z-axis 328. More specifically, secondbase portion 346 is pivotally movable with respect to first base portion344 about lateral axis 326 to position the component at a selectedangular position with respect to archery bow 320. Referring further toFIG. 4, shaft 44 is movable to an angular position α Angular position αmay be any suitable angular position, such as between about 0° and about+/−75° with respect to z-axis 328. It should be apparent to thoseskilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that theangular position of shaft 44 with respect to z-axis 328 can be limitedto any suitable angle range. In a particular embodiment, with shaft 44at the selected angular position, shaft 44 is rotated in a clockwisedirection shown by directional arrow 54 in FIG. 1 about an axis of shaft44 to selectively lock or retain base 42 stationary within bore 330 suchthat shaft 44 is retained at the selected angular position with respectto z-axis 328. Shaft 44 is rotated in an opposite counter-clockwisedirection to allow the angular position of shaft 44 to be adjusted, asdesired.

In a further embodiment, a locking mechanism (not shown in FIG. 17) isoperatively coupled to base 342 and configured to fixedly positionsecond base portion 346 with respect to first base portion 344 withinbore 230 to selectively retain shaft 44 at an angular position withrespect to z-axis 328. In a particular embodiment, a plurality ofcooperating apertures are defined within first base portion 344 andsecond base portion 346. With the angular position of shaft 44 selected,the locking mechanism includes a pin that is positioned within thealigned cooperating base apertures. In a particular embodiment, the pinis threadedly engaged within the archery bore aperture and/or thealigned base apertures. It should be apparent to those skilled in theart and guided by the teachings herein provided that the lockingmechanism may include any suitable component or mechanism that isconfigured to secure base 342 within bore 330 and retain shaft 44 in adesired angular position with respect to z-axis 328.

Exemplary embodiments of a method and apparatus for coupling an archerycomponent or element, such as a bow stabilizer or vibration dampener, toan archery bow are described above in detail. The method and apparatusare not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, butrather, steps of the method and/or components of the apparatus may beutilized independently and separately from other steps and/or componentsdescribed herein. Further, the described method steps and/or apparatuscomponents can also be defined in, or used in combination with, othermethods and/or apparatus, and are not limited to practice with only themethod and apparatus as described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

1. An apparatus configured to couple a component to an archery bow, thearchery bow defining a bore extending at least partially through thearchery bow and a slot in communication with the bore, said apparatuscomprising: a collar positioned within the slot and extending into thebore, said collar defining at least one first passage configured toreceive the component; and a base positioned within the bore andconfigured to retain said collar within the slot.
 2. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said base is movably positioned withinthe bore.
 3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said baseis removably positioned within the bore.
 4. An apparatus in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a first portion atleast partially positioned within the bore and a second portion at leastpartially positioned within the bore and coupled to said first portion.5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said second portionis movably coupled to said first portion.
 6. An apparatus in accordancewith claim 4 wherein said first portion is coupled to said second baseportion using a fastener.
 7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6wherein said fastener further comprises one of a screw and a pin.
 8. Anapparatus in accordance with claim 7 further comprising at least onefirst opening defined through said first portion and at least onecorresponding second opening defined at least partially through saidsecond portion, said fastener positioned within said first opening andsaid second opening to facilitate coupling said first portion to saidsecond portion.
 9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein saidfirst portion is compression fitted with said second portion.
 10. Anapparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said first portion definesa depression forming at least one edge.
 11. An apparatus in accordancewith claim 10 wherein, with said first portion at least partiallypositioned within the bore, a wall at least partially defining the boreis positioned within said depression to facilitate securing said firstportion at least partially within the bore.
 12. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 11 wherein said at least one edge interferes withthe wall to limit rotational movement of said first portion within thebore.
 13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein, with saidcollar extending into the bore, at least one of said first portion andsaid second portion configured to secure said collar within the slot.14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said collar forms atleast one projection cooperating with at least one of said first portionand second base portion.
 15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 14wherein said projection is positioned within a void defined within atleast one of said first portion and said second portion.
 16. Anapparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the archery bow defines alongitudinal axis, a lateral axis coplanar with and perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis, and a z-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axisand the lateral axis, said base movable within the bore with respect toat least one of the longitudinal axis, the lateral axis and the z-axis.17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein an end portion ofsaid collar is positioned within a second passage defined within saidbase.
 18. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said collarfurther comprises a head portion positioned within an indentation formedin the archery bow and surrounding the slot to facilitate guidingmovement of said collar within the slot to facilitate adjusting anangular position of the component with respect to an axis defined by thearchery bow.
 19. An apparatus configured to couple a component to anarchery bow, the archery bow defining a longitudinal axis and a lateralaxis coplanar with and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, thearchery bow defining an opening extending at least partially through thearchery bow and a slot in communication with the opening, said apparatuscomprising: a collar positioned within the slot and extending into theopening, said collar defining a first passage configured to receive thecomponent; a first base portion positioned within the opening; and asecond base portion positioned within the opening and coupled to saidfirst base portion to retain said collar within the slot.
 20. A methodfor manufacturing an archery bow, the archery bow defining alongitudinal axis and a lateral axis coplanar with and perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis, and a z-axis intersecting the longitudinal axisand the lateral axis and perpendicular thereto, said method comprising:defining a first opening extending at least partially through thearchery bow; defining a second opening in the archery bow, the secondopening in communication with the first opening; positioning a collarwithin the second opening, said collar extending into the first openingand defining a first passage configured to receive a component; andpositioning a base in the first opening, the base retaining the collarwithin the second opening.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 20wherein defining a first opening further comprises defining a boreextending along the lateral axis and at least partially through thearchery bow.
 22. A method in accordance with claim 21 wherein defining asecond opening further comprises defining a slot along a centerlinecoplanar with the longitudinal axis and the z-axis, the slotintersecting with the bore to provide communication between the bore andthe slot.
 23. A method in accordance with claim 20 wherein saidpositioning a base in the first opening further comprises: positioning afirst base portion in the first opening; positioning a second baseportion in the first opening; and coupling the second base portion tothe first base portion to retain the collar within the second opening.